Community

Going the extra mile for mental health: BRIT 2021 Challenge

Published

5 years ago

March 22, 2021

Military Preparation students with lecturer Andrew Desborough (top centre)

PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE staff and students are joining with colleges and universities from across the UK as part of the BRIT 2021 Challenge – a fundraising challenge to support young adult mental health.

Pembrokeshire College is the first College in Wales to have signed up to the challenge. Partnering with the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT), the College is inviting all staff and students to enter a team and take on the challenge of walking, jogging, running, cycling, hand-cycling or wheelchair pushing 2021 miles and raising £2,021 by the first of July.

BRIT are hoping that, with the help of the 450 colleges and universities in the UK, they will raise in excess of £1 million for young people’s mental health charities whilst at the same time improving the mental and physical health of all those who take part in the challenge.

Military Preparation lecturer, Andrew Desborough brought the challenge to the attention of the College and commented: “As course tutor for the Military Preparation Course at Pembrokeshire College, I’ve gained plenty of experience of the teaching and learning challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, ‘lockdowns’ have compounded mental health challenges for many people; increasing feelings of anxiety, isolation and fear. I see the BRIT 2021 Challenge as a fantastic opportunity for our learner and staff community to work together to improve not only their physical health but also their mental health.”

Andrew continued: “Despite the hopeful future, there’s still uncertainty of what 2021 will bring, and this feel-good fundraising event will definitely provide an opportunity for our College community to work together in an exciting and inclusive initiative. It has already brought together both current and former learners in combined teams; motivating each other and working together for a greater good.

“We’ve thoroughly embraced the BRIT 2021 Challenge so that Pembrokeshire College #RaiseHopeChangeLives can contribute to raising vital funds for mental health charities.”

Pembrokeshire College is now hoping that other colleges within Wales will take on the challenge in a combined effort to support the mental health and wellbeing of our young people while raising funds for: Papyrus, Student Minds, Nightline Association, Charlie Waller Trust and the British Inspiration Trust.

You can track the progress of staff and students, as well as donating to the fundraising effort, via our homepage: www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk.

For more information about the British Inspiration Trust go to: www.BritishInspirationTrust.org.uk or to find out more about the BRIT 2021 Challenge go to: www.TheBRITChallenge.org.uk

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

6 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)